Netflix Snaps Up The Long Now, A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Thriller From A Mad Men Alum

Netflix has sniffed out another potential binge-worthy obsession, and this one sounds like it could scratch that Black Mirror itch — but with a bit more grit. There’s a new sci-fi thriller series in the works, and the lineup behind it is seriously eye-catching if you’re even vaguely interested in TV that goes for both style and substance.

The Brains (and Bankers) Behind It

The series is called The Long Now, and it’s landed at Netflix after what I can only describe as a bit of a feeding frenzy from the streamers. Seems like every major player wanted in, but Netflix managed to snatch it up.

• Semi Chellas is the writer and main driving force here — if you’re a Mad Men tragic, you’ll recognise her name straight away. She’s also got The Audacity under her belt, so expect things to be sharp and a touch complicated.
• Jason Bateman isn’t just executive producing, he’s bringing along his production outfit, Aggregate Films. You might know Bateman mostly for keeping a straight face in middling comedies or getting in over his head on Ozark, but he and his producing partner Michael Costigan seem genuinely hands-on here.

What’s It Actually About?

If the official blurb is anything to go by, The Long Now is properly high-concept:

'A man has seven hours to solve his own murder with the reluctant help of his estranged ex. A propulsive thriller that explores the value of time and asks, What would you do if you had one day to live?'

So, we’re getting a time-twisting murder mystery with a splash of relationship dysfunction – and probably a load of frantic running about. Sounds like someone in the Netflix offices said, "Right, mash up Edge of Tomorrow with a sort of bleakly British detective show, and throw in a bit of couple’s therapy you didn’t ask for."

The Buzz So Far

Probably worth flagging just how hotly this thing was fought over before Netflix put its money down. Apparently, every streamer with enough cash wanted in, so expectations are already through the roof before a single scene’s been shot. And while there’s no casting news just yet (let’s hope they avoid the usual suspects), everything points to Netflix throwing its considerable weight behind this one and making it a proper event.

More updates due once the dust settles and casting is announced.